Best M2TS conversion options and what format to convert to?

[beltline]

I have a Panasonic HD camcorder that outputs M2TS files. I'm looking for the best user friendly option here. I just want to convert them to smaller options to post on the internet. I don't mind paying up to $50 for software but I don't want to pay $600. I'm not doing that much. Most clips are small 4-10 minutes of my daughter playing softball. After converting them I may do some small editing in the sense of just removing a little bit of footage at the beginning or the end of the clip. So if someone could offer up some suggestions or point me to a how to I would appreciate it.

[aedipuss]

try converting to .mp4 with mediacoder or handbrake. they're both free. you will find other free tools to try in the tools section <--- also.

and welcome to the forum!

[beltline]

I tried Handbreak and converted a HD (M2TS) clip that was 400mb but it only converted it down to 300mb. Is there anything or someway to get it down a lot more?

[guns1inger]

Filesize = Running Time X Bitrate. Given running time is a constant, reduce the bitrate and you will reduce the filesize.

However, reducing the bitrate will impact quality to some degree. The lower the bitrate, the bigger the impact. You can balance this somewhat by reducing the resolution. It is a balancing act between all these factors.

[Soopafresh]

If you want to do any editing, you might want to look at Vegas Movie Studio HD

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiohd

$40 and it'll do the basic stuff you require.

[beltline]

If you want to do any editing, you might want to look at Vegas Movie Studio HD

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiohd

$40 and it'll do the basic stuff you require.

Is this better than Vegas Movie Studio 9?

[Soopafresh]

If you want to do any editing, you might want to look at Vegas Movie Studio HD

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiohd

$40 and it'll do the basic stuff you require.

Is this better than Vegas Movie Studio 9?

Not necessarily better, but more suited to what you mentioned your requirements were in your first post. See the comparison chart. If you'll notice, the HDV/AVCHD option isn't checked in regular Vegas Movie Studio 9

http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/moviestudiohd/compare

If you want to actually get additional features (DVD Authoring, BluRay, 5.1 audio), go with Vegas Movie Studio Platinum for $99